S+H Staff

The Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act aims to address long-standing safety issues, such as use of automatic shutoff valves and excess flow valves, by strengthening the authority of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration through fiscal year 2014.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Solis is scheduled to host a two-hour webchat on Feb. 14 to discuss the Department of Labor’s budget request for fiscal year 2012.

Washington – NIOSH in February launched a virtual resource center for vehicle safety research.

Washington – NIOSH has scheduled a public meeting for March 3 in New York to discuss the implementation of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Across the country, approximately 24,500 sledding injuries occurred in 2007. Children often are injured in sledding incidents when the sled hits a fixed object, such as a tree or light post.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Less than one-half of people in a public place with access to an automated external defibrillator would be willing to use it, even though studies have repeatedly proven the devices’ effectiveness in aiding cardiac arrest victims, a Dutch study suggests.

Washington – A Chemical Safety Board video released Feb. 4 depicts the Kleen Energy and ConAgra Foods explosions, both of which were caused by the intentional release of fuel gas near work areas.

Boston – Employers increasingly are relying on financial incentives to encourage employee participation in health improvement programs, indicates a study released Feb. 9 by the National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments.

Plan to attend the National Safety Council 2011 Texas Safety Conference & Expo, scheduled for March 28-29 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in The Woodlands, TX. The advance rate deadline is March 4.

Washington – A new bill from House Democrats seeks to implement recommendations from a recent report on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.